Moran appointed to MEDC Executive Committee

ONAWAY – Moran Iron Works owner and founder Tom Moran has been appointed to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s executive committee.

Gov. Rick Snyder appointed Moran to the committee Monday, according to a release. He will serve for the remainder of an eight-year term expiring April 5, 2016, and will replace one of two board members who resigned. Moran and the rest of the 20-member committee will set the MEDC’s strategic direction.

Snyder also appointed Cindy Larsen, Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce president, to the committee on Monday, according to the release.

“The MEDC is doing great work to foster economic development and create a better business climate, and I am pleased that Tom and Cindy are joining that effort,” Snyder said in the release.

Moran found out about his appointment the same day, and said it’s a “huge honor” for him. He’s glad to be serving as part of Snyder’s programs for the state, and pointed to the governor’s track record.

“He’s the most intelligent man I know,” he said. “Mike Finney (MEDC president and CEO) is a close second. Those people, they have nothing but great intentions for Michigan. I’m proud just to be one of their soldiers.”

As the sole member of the committee from Northeast Michigan, Moran said he’ll do his part to represent the region while providing policy direction and guidance to MEDC and its economic development initiatives. However, the task is more about the entire state.

Moran also serves on the McLaren Northern Michigan Hospital Board of Directors, along with his duties at MIW, he said. He’s not concerned about juggling that with two board appointments.

“I still have a business to run, that’s probably my most important duty,” he said. “I have to make sure that doesn’t suffer. It’s only two board appointments, it’s just enough to keep me out of my work clothes a day or two a month.”

Moran Iron Works employs more than 125 people to make metal modular fabrications, especially for the power industry, according to the release. It’s headquartered in Onaway with a satellite shop in Cheboygan and facilities at the Port of Calcite in Rogers City. The business has received several honors, including being named in 2012 as one of the state’s 50 Top Companies to Watch by the Lowe Foundation.